Structural foam swimming pool wall and brace and method of erecting same

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to swimming pool walls and braces andmethods of erecting same.

Below-ground pools comprising a pool liner, supported by a modular walland brace structure, have gained popularity due to their low initialinstallation cost and easy maintenance. Such a pool is usually installedby digging a pool shaped excavation including a perimeter ledge;erecting a modular support wall on this ledge; pouring a concretefooting onto the ledge so as to anchor the wall; backfilling behind thesupport wall; mounting a coping on the upper surface of the wall; andlining the excavation with a pool liner, suspending the liner from thecoping. Filling systems, draining systems, and filtering systems arealso installed.

Prior support wall assemblies require, as a practical matter, at leasttwo installers to erect and assemble the modular components. Usually,these walls comprise a plurality of pool wall panels arranged inend-to-end relationship and a plurality of braces supporting the panels.The braces are supported on, and anchored to, the perimeter ledge tosupport the panels. Often one brace is provided at each abutment ofadjacent wall panels and is secured to the panel assembly by aligningapertures in both panels with apertures in the brace and insertingfasteners through all three pieces. All of the apertures in all threepieces of prior assemblies must be aligned prior to the installation ofthe fasteners. Therefore, two installers are required to support andalign all three pieces. The panels and bracket may optionally be clampedtogether after being aligned to facilitate fastener installation.

Preferably, each brace in the modular construction is anchored to theperimeter ledge to maintain the brace and associated panels in properalignment. There are two problems associated with this operation. Firstthe brace must be carefully aligned before the anchor is driven into theledge. Second the brace must be carefully and securely maintained inalignment as the anchor is secured in the ledge.

The modular support wall typically defines only the upper portion of thepool side wall. The remainder of the pool side wall, as well as the poolbottom, is a compacted, vermiculite or earthen surface. To insure asmooth junction between the support wall and the vermiculite, thevermiculite extends partially over each wall panel section, preferably auniform distance, to provide a clean, neat appearance. With priorconstructions, a chalk line must be placed on each panel section aftersame has been installed to provide a guideline for the upper edge of theoverlap. However, installing such a chalk line is a time consumingnuisance and as above, requires two men.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a pool wall assembly which may beerected by a single installer. This is achieved by providing first andsecond pool wall panels, a supporting brace, structure for securing thebrace to only the first panel, and structure for securing the secondpanel to at least one of the brace and the first panel. Consequently,the brace may be secured to only the first panel allowing the brace andfirst panel to be aligned as a unit. After the brace and first panel arealigned in desired orientation, the second panel is secured to at leastone of the brace and the first panel. Because the panels may beselectively, and individually secured to the brace, only one installeris required to assemble the pool wall assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, a unique anchor system, comprising astake and wedge, is provided to secure the brace to an earthen ledgeupon which the brace rests. The stake portion of the anchor systemextends through, and slidingly engages, the brace. Because the brace andstake only slidingly engage one another, the brace may be plumbed, oraligned, after the stake has been driven therethrough. After the braceis plumbed into its desired orientation, a wedge member which istelescopically received in the stake is driven downwardly with respectto the stake until it forcibly engages the brace to secure the brace inposition.

In yet another aspect of the invention, each pool wall panel includes anintegral, generally linear bead extending from the lower portion of itsfront surface. The bead defines the line to which the vermiculiteextends so that the vermiculite may be accurately extended over thelower portion of the pool wall assembly. The necessity of chalk-liningeach panel is eliminated, thereby eliminating a time consuming, two-manoperation.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the writtenspecification and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, sectional view through the pool wall assemblyof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pool wall panel;

FIG. 3 is a side, elevational view of the brace;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view taken along plane IV--IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view taken along plane V--V in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a slotted peg;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wedge;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a brace secured to a singlepanel section;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a brace secured to twoabutting pool wall panels;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along line X--X in FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along line XI--XI in FIG.9;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a straight pool wall panelconnected to a corner pool wall panel;

FIG. 13 is another fragmentary, perspective view of a straight pool wallpanel connected to a corner pool wall panel;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the area within line XIV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along plane XV--XV in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 with the wedge driven further downinto the stake; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the area within line XVII in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment, pool wall assembly 10 comprises a pluralityof straight panels 12 (e.g. 12a and 12b) abutting one another inend-to-end relationship and supported by a plurality of braces 14 (FIGS.1 and 9). Abutting side walls 46a and 48b on panels 12a and 12b,respectively, define rearwardly opening pockets 50 into which extendstuds 66 from brace 14 (FIGS. 3, 9, and 10). A plurality of slotted pegs28 extend through studs 66 and side walls 46a and 48b at pockets 50 andare secured therein by forcing a wedge 30 into each slotted peg tosecure panels 12a and 12b and brace 14 together. Additionally, stud 68(FIGS. 3, 4, and 11) which extends into a half-pocket 54 (FIGS. 8 and11) defined in side wall 46a, includes an integral slotted peg 20extending through the side wall of half-pocket 54 and is secured thereinby forcing another wedge 30 through slot 80 in integral peg 20. Whenbrace 14 is secured only to wall panel 12a using integral slotted peg 20and wedge 30, this single panel and brace assembly may be aligned as aunit into a desired orientation. Panel 12b may then be moved intoabutting relationship with panel 12a so that front surfaces 26a and 26bof the panels define a generally continuous surface and so that sidewalls 46a and 48b define pockets 50 receiving studs 66 of brace 14(FIGS. 9 and 10). Slotted pegs 28 are inserted through pockets 50 andstuds 66, and a wedge 30 is forced into each slotted peg to tightly drawpanels 12a and 12b and brace 14 together. Thus, assembly 10 can easilybe erected by one installer working alone.

After assembly 10 has been erected on ledge 16 as described, an anchor31 is inserted in aperture 82 in foot 62 of each brace 14 and is driveninto ledge 16 (FIGS. 1 and 15). Anchor 31 comprises a stake 32 whichonly slidingly engages brace 14 (FIG. 15) so that the two elements maymove relative to one another. Consequently, brace 14 and panels 12a and12b associated therewith may be plumbed after stake 32 has been securedwithin ledge 16. Wedge 34 which is slideably but frictionally carried instake 32 is then driven down stake 32 and into forcible engagement withbrace 14 and secure brace 14 in its plumbed orientation (FIGS. 1, 14 and16).

Molded bead 36 extends outwardly from front surface 26 of each panel 12approximately an inch and a half from the bottom thereof (FIG. 2) toprovide an easily recognizable line to which overlap portion 38 ofvermiculite layer 40 should be extended over surface 26 of panel 12(FIG. 17). Bead 36 eliminates the necessity of marking each panel 12with a chalk line during pool construction.

Each panel 12 (FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9) is preferably injection molded ofhigh impact structural foam plastic such as polystyrene. Otherequivalent plastics could be used. Each is generally rectangular, havinga front surface 26, top wall 42, bottom wall 44, side walls 46 and 48,and supporting rib structure 49. Side walls 46 and 48 each includedeviations projecting inwardly towards the opposite side wall to definefour generally identical half-pockets, or recesses, 50a and 50b, each ofwhich is delineated by top wall 51a (FIGS. 8 and 9), bottom wall 51b(FIGS. 2 and 10), and vertical wall 51c (FIGS. 2, 8, 9, and 10)extending between the top and bottom walls. An irregular, specificallytrapezoidally shaped aperture 52 (FIGS. 2, 8, and 10) extends througheach of side walls 51c in half-pockets 50a and 50b to receive one ofslotted pegs 28.

Side wall 46 includes another inwardly directed deviation defininghalf-pocket 54, identical to half-pockets 50a, located approximatelymidway along the height of panel 12 (FIGS. 2 and 11). No matinghalf-pocket is found in side wall 48. Half-pocket 54 is delineated bytop wall 55a (FIG. 8), bottom wall 55b (FIGS. 2 and 11), and side wall55c (FIGS. 2, 8, and 11) extending therebetween and defining aperture 22in side wall 55c to receive integral peg 20.

Integral projections 56 (FIG. 2) extend from side wall 46 into receivingapertures 58 (FIG. 9) defined in side wall 48 of an abutting panel toalign panels 12a and 12b as same are brought together. Half-pockets 50aof panel 12a generally align, or mate, with half-pockets 50b (FIG. 10)to define pockets 50 opening rearwardly when the two panels are placedin abutting relationship as shown in FIG. 9. Each of half-pockets 50aand 50b defines one-half of pocket 50 to accommodate one-half of stud 66so that each pocket 50 receives one entire stud. Further, apertures 52ain side wall 46 are also generally aligned, or coaxial, with apertures52b defined in side wall 48 when the two panels are in end-to-endrelationship.

Brace 14 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) is also preferably injection molded ofpolypropylene or other suitable plastic material. Each brace 14 includesvertical upright 64, foot 62, cross-brace structure 60 interconnectingupright 64 and foot 62. Foot 62 (FIGS. 3, 14, 15, and 16) of brace 14 isoriented generally horizontally on ledge 16 when brace 14 is in itsdesired orientation. Foot 62 defines a generally triangular aperture 82to receive anchor 32 (FIGS. 15 and 16). Part of cross-brace structure 60is an upwardly sloping member 61 joining foot 62 to upright 64. Itincludes an aperture 61a therein for receiving rebar therethrough. Atthe top of cross-brace structure 60 is a top cross piece 63 having aforward aperture 63a therein, also for receiving rebar, and a rearwardaperture 63b for receiving adjusting rod 102 (FIG. 8).

Four studs 66 and integral peg stud 68 extend forwardly (i.e. towardspanels 12) from upright 64. Integral peg stud 68 has a widthapproximately one-half the width of one of studs 66 and includes anintegral slotted peg 20 extending laterally from the stud (FIGS. 4 and11). Slot 80 in integral peg 20 opens horizontally rearwardly (i.e. awayfrom panels 12) to facilitate convenient insertion of peg 24 thereinto.Each of studs 66 includes an aperture 70 extending laterallytherethrough which is generally aligned, or coaxial, with apertures 52aand b in rearwardly opening pockets 50 in abutting panels 12a and 12b(FIG. 10).

Slotted pegs 28, preferably injection molded of the same material asbrace 14, (FIG. 6) are designed to extend through each set of alignedapertures 52a and b and 70 in panels 12a and 12b and studs 66 of brace14, respectively, (FIGS. 9 and 10). Each of slotted pegs 28 (FIG. 6)includes a head 72, an elongated body portion 74 extending from head 72,and a slot 76 extending through elongated portion 74 generally laterallyfrom side to side thereof. Each slotted peg 28 is trapezoidal in crosssection conforming to the shape of apertures 52. The reason for thistrapezoidal fit is to insure that each peg 28 can only be insertedthrough apertures 52a, b and 70 with its lateral slot 76 openingrearwardly (with respect to panels 12) to facilitate insertion of wedges30 through slot 76 (FIGS. 9 and 10).

Wedge 30, also preferably injection molded of the same material as brace14, (FIG. 7) is a generally wedge-shaped body including a plurality ofteeth 78 along one side thereof to aid in retaining the wedge withinslotted peg 28.

Anchor assembly 31 for brace 14 includes a stake 32 and a wedge 34slideably, but frictionally carried thereby. Stake 32 is formed of ametal wall defining a generally triangular void 86 within spaced sidewalls 33 joined by a base wall 33a. Stake 32 is slightly smaller thanaperture 82 and hence only slidingly engages foot 62 of brace 14 so thatthe two elements may be moved relative one another after the stake 32has been driven into ledge 16. The apex of the triangle defined by thecross section of stake 32 is open so that wedge 34 can be slideablycarried within void 86 and still project from stake 32 (FIG. 14). Wedge34 is generally V-shaped in cross section with the "V" being deeper atthe top of wedge 34 than at the bottom. The width of the "V" is suchthat the "V" walls frictionally engage the terminal edges of side walls33 of stake 32. Preferably, wedge 34 is located within stake 32 about aninch and one-half below the top of stake 32 before stake 32 is driveninto ledge 16.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a corner panel 92 secured to a straight panel 12.Side wall 94 of corner section 92 includes deviations outwardly todefine four projections 96. These extend into half-pockets 50a whenpanels 12 and 92 are placed in abutting relationship. Each ofprojections 96 includes top wall 97a, bottom wall 97b, and side wall 97cextending therebetween. Side wall 97c includes a trapezoidally shapedaperture (not visible) which is aligned with the corresponding aperture52 defined by half-pocket 50a in panel 12. Short slotted pegs 28a extendthrough side walls 46 and 94 and are secured in position using wedges30. Short pegs 28a are similar to peg 28 shown in FIG. 6, except theyare shorter. Brace 14 is not included at the junction of straight panel12 with corner panel 92.

Assembly

Pool wall assembly 10 greatly facilitates the installation of abelow-ground swimming pool. Pool installation is begun by diggingexcavation 18, forming circumferential ledge 16 around the entireperiphery of the excavation (FIG. 1). Brace 14 is secured to side wall46 of a panel 12a by inserting integral slotted peg 20 through aperture22 defined in half-pocket 54 and securing the peg therein by drivingbrace retainer wedge 24 through the integral peg (FIGS. 8 and 11). Withbrace 14 so secured to panel 12a, each of studs 66 is partiallypositioned within one of half-pockets 50a. At this point, brace 14 andpanel 12a are preferably at a corner of the pool and wall 48 of panel12a is abutted to wall 94a of corner panel 92, and the two panels aresecured together using short pegs 28a and wedges 30.

After the first brace and single panel assembly have been properlyoriented, panel 12b, with its brace 14 preferably attached (not shown)is placed into position abutting panel 12a with projections 56 extendinginto apertures 58 to align the panels (FIG. 9). Brace 14 need not beremoved from panel 12a in order to place panel 12b in position. Withpanels 12a and 12b so aligned, half-pockets 50a and 50b in flanges 46aand 48b mate to define pockets 50, and apertures 52a and 52b in panels12a and 12b are coaxial with each other and with apertures 70 defined bystuds 66 (FIG. 10). Pegs 28 are then inserted through each set ofaligned apertures 52 and 70 and secured therein by driving one of wedges30 through each slotted peg 28 (FIGS. 9 and 10). Succeeding straightpanels 12 are similarly attached. When the installer approaches the nextsucceeding corner, he or she installs a panel 12 without a brace 14attached. The corner panel 92 may or may not be preattached.

When all of straight panels 12 and corner panels 92 have been erected,the corners of the pool are squared and walls 12 are aligned at theirbottoms and leveled in a conventional manner. As is conventional, piecesof steel rod 44b are also driven into ledge 16 through holes 44c inbottom walls 44 of panels 12. Lower rerod 112 (FIG. 1) is insertedthrough holes 61a in braces 14. Stake 32 of one anchor assembly 31 isdriven through each foot 62 into ledge 16 so that approximately sixinches of each stake 32 extends above its respective foot. As each panel12 is plumbed, the hooked end of adjusting rod 102 is inserted intoaperture 63b in cross piece 63 and the connected anchor stake 98 isdriven into overdig 100. Some installers use such stake and adjustingrod combinations to facilitate wall plumbing. Once stake 98 is anchoredin the ground, two nuts, one on each side of stake 98, are threaded onthe end of adjusting rod 102, which extends through stake 98. These nutsare adjusted in or out to pull wall 12 towards overdig 100 or allow itto fall away, as required. Where the sub-surface soil is sandy andanchor assemblies 31 will not hold, such a stake 98 and adjusting rod102 are required.

Once the wall 12 is plumb, wedge 34 is tapped down into forcibleengagement with foot 62 (FIG. 16). Anchor 98, adjusting rod 102, andanchor assembly 31 securely maintain each brace 14, and accordingly poolwalls 12a and b, in their desired orientation.

After all of braces 14 have been leveled, plumbed, and anchored, aconcrete footing, or bonding beam, 104 is poured, encapsulating braces14 and lower rerod 112 to further secure braces 14 in position. Backfill106 is then filled in between pool wall assembly 10 and overdig 100.

Vermiculite layer 40 is then compacted onto the pool bottom, extendingupwardly (see also FIG. 17) over the lower portion 90 of front surface26 of pool wall 12 to bead 36.

Coping 108 is then mounted on pool wall assembly 10 usingself-drilling/self-tapping screws and concrete apron 110 is pouredbehind coping 108. Finally, pool liner 98 is suspended from coping 108to cover panels 12 and 98 and bottom 40. With the additionalinstallation of filling systems, draining systems, and filtrationsystems, installation of the pool is complete, and, after being filledwith water, the pool is ready for enjoyment.

The pool wall assembly of the present invention can be easily, readily,and rapidly assembled by a single installer working alone, primarily dueto the fact that each supporting brace may be secured to only one panelin such a way as to not interfere with subsequent securement of anadjacent panel. A second man is only required to sight a transit duringleveling and to assist in plumbing and squaring. This enables thesingle-panel-and-brace assembly to be aligned into a desired orientationprior to the securement of the second abutting panel. Further, becauseonly two pieces need be aligned for interconnection at a time, i.e., (1)brace to first panel and (2) second panel to first panel, the singleinstaller may easily align and interconnect all parts. Finally, the beaddefining the lower portion of each panel over which the pool side wallmust extend enables the installer to rapidly compact the vermiculiteover the lower portion of each panel to the desired level without firsthaving to snap a chalk line.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to bethat of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Various changes andalterations might be made without departing from the spirit and broaderaspects of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, which areto be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law,including the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A pool wall assemblycomprising:a supporting brace; first and second wall panels .Iadd.eachhaving a front surface.Iaddend.; first means for securing said firstpanel to said brace; and second means for securing said second panel toat least one of said intersecured brace and first panel, .Iadd.saidfront surfaces being aligned with and abutting one another to define asubstantially uninterrupted surface, .Iaddend.said second securing meansbeing actuable independently of said first securing means whereby saidbrace can be secured to only said first panel to facilitate alignment ofsaid brace and first panel prior to securement of said second panel. 2.A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said second securingmeans comprises means for securing said second panel to both said firstpanel and said brace.
 3. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supportingbrace; a first wall panel having a front surface; first means forsecuring said brace to said first panel only, said first securing meansincluding said first panel defining a first aperture, said firstsecuring means further including said brace including an integralslotted peg extending from said brace through said first aperture, saidfirst securing means further including a first wedge forced into saidintegral slotted peg to secure said brace to said first panel; a secondwall panel having a front surface; second means for securing said secondpanel to at least one of said brace and said first panel with said frontsurfaces aligned to define a generally continuous surface, whereby saidbrace may be secured to only said first panel first to facilitatealignment of said brace and first panel together prior to securement ofsaid second panel.
 4. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supportingbrace; a first wall panel having a front surface; first means forsecuring said brace to said first panel only, said first securing meansincluding said first panel defining a first aperture, said firstsecuring means further including said brace including an integralslotted peg extending from said brace through said first aperture, saidfirst securing means further including a first wedge forced into saidintegral slotted peg to secure said brace to said first panel; a secondwall panel having a front surface; second means for securing said secondpanel to both said brace and said first panel with said front surfacesaligned to define a generally continuous surface, whereby said brace maybe secured to only said first panel first to facilitate alignment ofsaid brace and first panel together prior to securement of said secondpanel.
 5. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supporting brace; a firstwall panel having a front surface; first means for securing said braceto said first panel only; a second wall panel having a front surface;second means for securing said second panel to at least one of saidbrace and said first panel with said front surfaces aligned to define agenerally continuous surface, whereby said brace may be secured to onlysaid first panel first to facilitate alignment of said brace and firstpanel together prior to securement of said second panel, said first andsecond securing means including projection means projecting from saidbrace and receiving means on said panels for receiving said projectionmeans, said projection means of said first and second securing meansincluding first and second studs, respectively, projecting from saidbrace, said receiving means including first and second pockets definedby and between said first and second panels and opening rearwardly toreceive said first and second studs, respectively.
 6. A pool wallassembly comprising:a supporting brace; a first wall panel having afront surface; first means for securing said brace to said first panelonly; a second wall panel having a front surface; second means forsecuring said second panel to both said brace and said first panel withsaid front surfaces aligned to define a generally continuous surface,whereby said brace may be secured to only said first panel first tofacilitate alignment of said brace and first panel together prior tosecurement of said second panel, said first and second securing meansincluding projection means projecting from said brace and receivingmeans on said panels for receiving said projection means, saidprojection means of said first and second securing means including firstand second studs, respectively, projecting from said brace, saidreceiving means including first and second pockets defined by andbetween said first and second panels and opening rearwardly to receivesaid first and second studs, respectively.
 7. A pool wall assemblycomprising:a supporting brace; a first wall panel having a frontsurface; first means for securing said brace to said first panel only; asecond wall panel having a front surface;second means for securing saidsecond panel to at least one of said brace and said first panel withsaid front surfaces aligned to define a generally continuous surface,whereby said brace may be secured to only said first panel first tofacilitate alignment of said brace and first panel together prior tosecurement of said second panel, said first and second securing meansincluding projection means projecting from said brace and receivingmeans on said panels defined by and located between said panels whenthey abut for receiving said projection means between said first andsecond panels, whereby said brace can be secured to said first panelonly and said second panel can then be placed in position abutting saidfirst panel without removing said brace from said first panel, saidprojection means of said first and second securing means including firstand second studs, respectively, projecting from said brace, saidreceiving means including first and second pockets defined by andbetween said first and second panels and opening rearwardly to receivesaid first and second studs, respectively.
 8. A pool wall assemblycomprising:a supporting brace; a first wall panel having a frontsurface; first means for securing said brace to said first panel only; asecond wall panel having a front surface; second means for securing saidsecond panel to both said brace and said first panel with said frontsurfaces aligned to define a generally continuous surface, whereby saidbrace may be secured to only said first panel first to facilitatealignment of said brace and first panel together prior to securement ofsaid second panel, said first and second securing means includingprojection means projecting from said brace and receiving means on saidpanels defined by and located between said panels when they abut forreceiving said projection means between said first and second panels,whereby said brace can be secured to said first panel only and saidsecond panel can then be placed in position abutting said first panelwithout removing said brace from said first panel, said projection meansof said first and second securing means including first and secondstuds, respectively, projecting from said brace, said receiving meansincluding first and second pockets defined by and between said first andsecond panels and opening rearwardly to receive said first and secondstuds, respectively.
 9. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supportingbrace; a first wall panel having a front surface; first means forsecuring said brace to said first panel only; a second wall panel havinga front surface; second means for securing said second panel to at leastone of said brace and said first panel with said front surfaces alignedto define a generally continuous surface, whereby said brace may besecured to only said first panel first to facilitate alignment of saidbrace and first panel together prior to securement of said second panel,said first and second securing means including first and second studsprojecting from said brace and first and second rearwardly openingpockets on said panels receiving said first and second studs,respectively, said first securing means further including an integralpeg extending laterally from said first stud, said first pocketincluding a side wall having an aperture therein to receive saidintegral peg, said second pocket including opposing side walls havingapertures therein, said second studs including second apertures forreceiving pegs, said second securing means further including pegsextending through said apertures in said second pocket side walls and insaid second studs.
 10. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supportingbrace; a first wall panel having a front surface; first means forsecuring said brace to said first panel only; a second wall panel havinga front surface; second means for securing said second panel to bothsaid brace and said first panel with said front surfaces aligned todefine a generally continuous surface, whereby said brace may be securedto only said first panel first to facilitate alignment of said brace andfirst panel together prior to securement of said second panel, saidfirst and second securing means including first and second studsprojecting from said brace and first and second rearwardly openingpockets on said panels receiving said first and second studs,respectively, said first securing means further including an integralpeg extending laterally from said first stud, said first pocketincluding a side wall having an aperture therein to receive saidintegral peg, said second pocket including opposing side walls havingapertures therein, said second studs including second apertures forreceiving pegs, said second securing means further including pegsextending through said apertures in said second pocket side walls and insaid second studs.
 11. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 3 or 4wherein said first panel defines a first half-pocket about said firstaperture and wherein said brace further comprises a first stud, fromwhich said integral slotted peg extends, located in said firsthalf-pocket.
 12. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 11 whereinsaid second securing means comprises:said first panel defining aplurality of second apertures; said second panel defining a plurality ofthird apertures; said brace defining a plurality of fourth apertures; aplurality of slotted pegs each of which extends through one of saidsecond apertures, one of said third apertures, and one of said fourthapertures; and a plurality of second wedges each of which is forced intoone of said slotted pegs to secure said brace and said first and secondpanels together.
 13. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 12 whereinsaid brace further comprises a plurality of second studs each definingone of said fourth apertures and wherein said first and second panelsdefine a plurality of rearwardly opening pockets to receive said secondstuds.
 14. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein saidfirst and second securing means comprise projection means projectingfrom said brace and receiving means on said panels for receiving saidprojection means.
 15. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 5 or 6wherein said second securing means include pegs, and wherein said firstand second panels further include apertures in the opposed side walls ofsaid second pockets for receiving said pegs.
 16. A pool wall assembly asdefined in claim 15 wherein each of said first and second panels definesone half of each of said second pockets to receive one-half of each ofsaid second studs, whereby each of said second pockets receives oneentire second stud, each half of said second pockets including one ofsaid opposed side walls with said apertures therein.
 17. A pool wallassembly as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said first and secondsecuring means comprise projection means projecting from said brace andreceiving means on said panels defined by and located between saidpanels when they abut, for receiving said projection means between saidfirst and second panels, whereby said brace can be secured to said firstpanel only and said second panel can then be placed in position abuttingsaid first panel without removing said brace from said first panel. 18.A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein said secondsecuring means include pegs, and wherein said first and second panelsfurther include apertures in the opposed side walls of said secondpockets for receiving said pegs.
 19. A pool wall assembly as defined inclaim 18 wherein each of said first and second panels defines one halfof each of said second pockets to receive one half of each of saidsecond studs, whereby each of said second pockets receives one entiresecond stud, each half of said second pockets includes one of saidopposed side walls with said apertures therein.
 20. A pool wall assemblyas defined in claim 19 wherein said pegs include slots extendinglaterally therethrough;wedges for insertion in said slots; saidapertures in said side walls of said second pockets being irregular inshape, said pegs having a similar irregular cross section, said slotsbeing oriented with respect to said cross section such that said slotopens rearwardly in a generally horizontal plane with respect to saidpanels to facilitate insertion of said wedges into said slots.
 21. Apool wall assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein said pegs includeslots extending laterally therethrough;wedges for insertion in saidslots; said apertures in said side walls of said second pockets beingirregular in shape, said pegs having a similar irregular cross section,said slots being oriented with respect to said cross section such thatsaid slot opens rearwardly in a generally horizontal plane with respectto said panels to facilitate insertion of said wedges into said slots.22. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein each of saidfirst and second panels defines one half of each of said second pocketsto receive one half of each of said second studs, whereby each of saidsecond pockets receives one entire second stud, each half of said secondpockets includes one of said opposed side walls with said aperturestherein.
 23. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 7 or 8 whereinsaid first securing means further comprises an integral peg extendinglaterally from said first stud, and wherein said second studs definesecond apertures for receiving pegs;said first pocket including a sidewall having an aperture therein through which said integral peg extends;said second pockets including opposed side walls having second aperturestherein, said pegs extending through said second apertures in said sidewalls and in said second studs.
 24. A pool wall assembly as defined inclaim 23 wherein said first stud has a width approximately one-half thewidth of said second studs.
 25. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim24 wherein each of said first and second panels defines one-half of eachof said second pockets to receive one-half of each of said second studs,whereby each of said second pockets receives one entire second stud,each half of said second pockets includes one of said opposed side wallswith said apertures therein.
 26. A pool wall assembly as defined inclaim 25 wherein said pegs include slots extending laterallytherethrough;wedges for insertion in said slots; said apertures in saidside walls of said second pockets being irregular in shape, said pegshaving a similar irregular cross section, said slots being oriented withrespect to said cross section such that said slot opens rearwardly in agenerally horizontal plane with respect to said panels to facilitateinsertion of said wedges into said slots.
 27. A pool wall assembly asdefined in claim 9 or 10 wherein each of said first and second panelsdefines one half of each of said second pockets to receive one half ofsaid second studs, whereby each of said second pockets receives oneentire second stud.
 28. The pool wall assembly of claim 27 in which saidfirst pocket is approximately one half as large as said second pocketsand is defined substantially by only one of said first and secondpanels.
 29. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 9 or 10 whereineach of said first and second panels defines one half of each of saidsecond pockets to receive one half of each of said second studs, wherebyeach of said second pockets receives one entire second stud, each halfof said second pockets includes one of said opposed side walls with saidapertures therein.
 30. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supportingbrace defining a plurality of first apertures; a first wall panel havinga front surface and a first side defining a plurality of secondapertures; an integral, slotted peg extending from said brace throughone of said second apertures; a first wedge forced into said integralslotted peg to secure said brace to said first panel; a second wallpanel having a front surface and a second side defining a plurality ofthird apertures, said first, second, and third apertures being generallycoaxial to define a plurality of sets of apertures; a plurality ofsecond slotted pegs each positioned within one of said sets ofapertures; and a plurality of second wedges each forced into one of saidsecond slotted pegs to secure said brace and said first and secondpanels together, whereby said brace may be secured to only said firstpanel so that said brace and first panel may be aligned together into adesired orientation prior to the securement of said second panel to saidfirst panel.
 31. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 30 whereinsaid brace further comprises a first stud from which said integral,slotted peg extends and wherein said first side of said first paneldefines a first rearwardly opening pocket to receive said first stud.32. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 31 wherein said bracefurther comprises a plurality of second studs each defining one of saidfirst apertures and wherein said first and second panels define aplurality of second rearwardly opening pockets to receive said secondstuds.
 33. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 30 wherein saidbrace further comprises a plurality of second studs each defining one ofsaid first apertures and wherein said first and second panels define aplurality of second rearwardly opening pockets to receive said secondstuds.
 34. A pool wall assembly comprising at least one pool wallsecured to a supporting brace, said pool wall assembly comprising:saidbrace including an aperture therein; an anchor assembly comprising astake for driving into the ground, and wedge means; said stake having across section smaller than said aperture in said brace whereby saidstake slideably fits within said aperture; and said wedge meansslideably mounted in said stake, being wider at the top than bottom, andprojecting laterally from said stake, whereby as said wedge is moveddown said stake, said wedge eventually engages said brace at the side ofsaid aperture and wedges said stake and wedge combination against theside of said aperture to bind said anchor assembly to said brace. 35.The pool wall assembly of claim 34 wherein said stake is of generallytriangular cross section, having two opposite side walls joined by abase wall, with the apex of such triangular cross section missing atleast throughout most of the length of said stake whereby said wedgemeans is carried between said side walls and projects from said missingapex as it is slid down said stake.
 36. The pool wall assembly of claim35 in which said wedge means comprises a wedge generally "V" shapedcross section defined by two joined walls, said walls being wider at thetop than bottom, and being spaced from one another at such a distancethat said wedge walls frictionally engage said side walls of said stake.37. The pool wall assembly of claim 36 in which said aperture in saidbrace is generally triangular in shape and is just slightly larger thanthe generally triangular shaped cross section of said stake.
 38. Animproved pool wall panel having a face including an upper portion and alower portion to be covered by a compacted material, said panel being ofthe type connected to other similar panels to form a pool wall tosupport a pool liner, wherein the improvement comprises a generallyhorizontal, generally linear bead member projecting from said face ofsaid panel mediate said upper and lower portions to delineate said lowerportion, said bead member extending substantially the full width of thepanel and being alignable with the bead members of adjacent connectedpanels, whereby the extent to which said lower portion is to be coveredby said compacted material may be readily determined without the needfor chalk lining said pool wall face.
 39. A pool wall panel as definedin claim 38 wherein said bead member is integrally molded of plasticmaterial with said pool wall. .Iadd.40. A pool wall assembly as definedin claim 1 wherein said second securing means includes alignment meansfor vertically aligning said first and second panels. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. A pool wall assembly comprising:a supporting brace; first andsecond wall panels; first means for securing only said first panel tosaid brace, whereby said intersecured first panel and brace can beleveled as a unit; and second means for securing said second panel to atleast one of said intersecured brace and first panel, said secondsecuring means being actuable independently of said first securing meansand including alignment means for vertically aligning said first andsecond panels, whereby said second panel is aligned with said leveledfirst panel upon actuation of said second securing means. .Iaddend..Iadd.42. A pool wall assembly as defined in claim 41 wherein each ofsaid panels has a front surface aligned with and abutting one anotherwhen interconnected to define a substantially uninterrupted surface..Iaddend.